Madonna stamp sticking around since 1978

WASHINGTON -- During the Christmas season, when Christmas displays and the public outcry against them get almost equal billing, the tiny postage stamp dares to push the envelope, so to speak.

While some towns are battling over the use of red and green lights on city buildings, Nativity scenes in parks and what to call holiday evergreen trees, the tiny adhesive squares on billions of letters and packages this December will subtly remind postal workers and mail recipients about Christmas and other religious holidays.

This year the Postal Service has issued more than 2.6 billion holiday stamps. The majority of them are called "holiday knits" featuring Christmas images that look like hand-knit evergreens, snowmen, deer and teddy bears.

The rest of the seasonal stamps feature the Madonna and Child and commemorate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Muslim festivals.

According to a 2007 press release by the Postal Service, the Madonna and Child stamp has been a U.S. tradition since 1978.

What it doesn't describe is the road it took to get there.

The series actually got its start in 1966, four years after the first Christmas stamp debuted with a wreath, two candles and the words "Christmas 1962."

The first religious Christmas stamp owes its origin in part to the lobbying efforts of the late Anthony Coviello, a parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Waterbury, Conn.

The 1966 stamp, "Madonna and Child With Angels," started a trend of Christmas stamps featuring Renaissance paintings. The series was interrupted in 1977 when the Christmas stamp featured a praying George Washington.

The next year the Postal Service resumed the Madonna and Child stamps and the series has continued ever since.
[Source: Catholic News Source]

Men's Fellowship to be December greeters

Members of the Men's Fellowship will be greeters at Mass during December. Men are encouraged to wear the fellowship's districtive blue shirts. Name tags will be in the regular place.

Pope's encyclical on Hope published

VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2007 (VIS) -- Benedict XVI's second Encyclical, "Spe Salvi" which is dedicated to the theme of Christian hope, was published today. The document - which has an introduction and eight chapters - begins with a quote from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans: "spe salvi facti sumus" (in hope we are saved).

The chapter titles are as follows: "1. Faith is Hope; 2. The concept of faith_based hope in the New Testament and the early Church; 3. Eternal life _ what is it?; 4. Is Christian hope individualistic?; 5. The transformation of Christian faith_hope in the modern age; 6. The true shape of Christian hope; 7. 'Settings' for learning and practicing hope: i) Prayer as a school of hope, ii) Action and suffering as settings for learning hope, iii) Judgement as a setting for learning and practicing hope; 8. Mary, Star of Hope."

The Holy Father explains in his Introduction that "according to the Christian faith, 'redemption' - salvation - is not simply a given. Redemption is offered to us in the sense that we have been given hope, trustworthy hope, by virtue of which we can face our present: the present, even if it is arduous, can be lived and accepted if it leads towards a goal, if we can be sure of this goal, and if this goal is great enough to justify the effort of the journey."

Hence, "a distinguishing mark of Christians" is "the fact that they have a future: ... they know ... that their life will not end in emptiness. ... The Gospel is not merely a communication of things that can be known _ it is one that makes things happen and is life_changing. The dark door of time, of the future, has been thrown open. The one who has hope lives differently; the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life."

"To come to know God - the true God - means to receive hope." This was well understood by the early Christians, such as the Ephesians who before encountering Christ had many gods but "were without hope." The problem faced by Christians of long standing, the Holy Father says, is that they "have grown accustomed to, ... have almost ceased to notice that we possess the hope that ensues from a real encounter with this God."

The Pope recalls that Jesus "did not bring a message of social revolution" like Spartacus, and that "he was not engaged in a fight for political liberation like Barabbas of Bar-Kochba." He brought "something totally different: ... an encounter with the living God, ... an encounter with a hope stronger than the sufferings of slavery, a hope which therefore transformed life and the world from within, ... even if external structures remained unaltered."

Christ makes us truly free. "We are not slaves of the universe" or of "the laws of matter and of evolution." We are free because "heaven is not empty," because the Lord of the universe is God "Who in Jesus has revealed Himself as Love."

Click on the headline to read the full story from the Vatican Information Service.

Or click here to read the complete text.

Things to pick up at church this weekend

There are some things you should be sure to pick up at church this week:

A St. Nicholas gift envelope to provide a Christmas gift to help pay down our church mortgage.

The 2008 parish calendar which includes church information and phone numbes. There are nice religious paintings with Scripture for each month.

A tag from the Giving Tree: Pick a tag from the tree and return the small gift unwrapped by December 16.

Word Among Us: The special Advent edition provides daily meditations for Advent plus a number of special feature articles.

One Bread, One Body Advent/Christmas booklet of Presentation Ministries which includes teachings on the daily Scripture readings for Dec 1, 2007 to Jan. 31, 2008/

Ministry Directory: If you have not already picked up one, there are a few extra copies of the Ministry Directory listing about 40 different ministries and organizations with names of contact persons.

If you forgot to bring a can of tomato soup for the Baskets of Love food baskets, remember to do so by next Sunday.

Pope invites Islamic leaders to Rome

Vatican, Nov. 29, 2007 - Pope Benedict XVI has answered a call for dialogue between Christian and Islamic leaders, inviting a group of 138 Muslim officials to Rome to continue the exchange.

The Pope's answer to the Muslim leaders-- who had released their open letter on October 13-- came in the form of a letter to Jordan's Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal, the president of the Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought and one of the 138 Islamic leaders who had signed the open letter. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, signed the response, explaining that he was writing on behalf of Pope Benedict.

The Pope voiced his "deep appreciation" for the Muslim leaders' initiative, and observed:

Without ignoring or downplaying our differences as Christians and Muslims, we can and therefore should look to what unites us, namely, belief in the one God, the provident Creator and universal Judge who at the end of time will deal with each person according to his or her actions. We are all called to commit ourselves totally to him and to obey his sacred will.

Cardinal Bertone went on to say that the Pope hopes to foster "mutual respect and acceptance" among young Christians and Muslims, and believes that by working together, the two faiths can make a great contribution to preserving the dignity of human life and promoting peace and justice.

The Pope's response asks Prince Ghazi to select "a restricted group of signatories of the open letter" to visit the Vatican, and continue the inter-religious dialogue there. The Pontiff offers the services of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue and the pontifical universities to facilitate the exchange.

Watch for St. Paul TODAY in your mailbox

Watch for the latest issue of St. Paul TODAY, our parish newsletter, coming soon to your mailbox. This issue, delayed in mailing, talks about Advent traditions which help us get ready for Christmas.

Also in this issue:

+ The Mass Schedule for Christmas and hours for Reconciliation.

+ An article on the new outreach of our St. Vincent de Paul Society with a photo of food collection by St. Paul School students.

+ A feature on Sean Collins, our new seventh grade and English teacher.

+ A suggestions for a St. Nicholas gift for your parish.

+ Information on the new parish community blog

+ And a Christmas message from the Pastor’s Desk.

If you can’t wait to read it,. you can click on the headline to download an online PDF file which is in full color on all pages. Click on the headline then click on "file" and then click on "save file as" tp begin the download to your computer.

Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers for December

Lectors for December

4:30 p.m. Saturday: Darlene Musgrave
9 a.m. Sunday: Bernie Factor
11 a.m. Sunday: Youth Lector

Euchartist Ministers for December

4:30 p. m. Saturday
Kathy Hausch
Hank Richard
Judy Richard
Carol Coughlin
Kenny Roush
Penny Roush
Debbie Dodson
Kelly Dodson
Bob Kerr

9 a.m. Sunday
Patty DiDonato
Rudy DiDonato
Karen Cain
Joane Coburn
Joe Denholm
Sandi Denholm
Paulette Jones
John Woofter
Marilyn Woofter

11 a.m. Sunday
Diane Clute
Sue Gatian
Kelly Reed
Carol Eich
Maggie Walker
Maria Amedeo
Julia Gabelman
Nellie Kremer

Christ with children greets school visitors

A statue of Christ with the children now greets visitors to St. Paiul School. Improved lighting and the statue, procured by Fr. Ralph, have enhanced the entrance to the school. The statue is in the hallway leading to the school office.

Catholic proportion of Irish population falling

Dublin, Nov. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Catholic proportion of Ireland's population is dropping, according to a November 28 report in the Irish Times.

In 1991 Catholics accounted for 91% of the Irish population, the Times reports, citing Central Statistics Office figures; last year that figure had fallen to 87%.

The Times attributes the decline to two factors: the immigration of non-Catholics and a distinct rise in the number of people who classify themselves as "not religious." The latter figure rose from 4% to 6% in the same 15-year period.

Lectors: Giving witness in the Word

By Darlene Musgrave
for the Lectors Ministry
In the sacred liturgy the church receives and offers to the faithful the bread of life from the table both of God’s word and of Christ’s Body. The Liturgy of the Word is of greatest importance in the celebration of the mass. It is in scripture that lessons are read and explained in the homily and psalms are sung. The prayers, collects and liturgical songs are scriptural in their inspiration and it is from the scriptures that actions and signs derive meaning. Ideally, the congregation has read the scripture before coming to mass and can fully appreciate the lector and priests as they proclaim the readings.

Each of us has special gifts and talents that we can use in the service of God. No one is perfect, but God uses us in spite of our imperfections. It is in our humanness that we connect with the community. In keeping with St. Paul parish mission statement, our lectors do respond to their Baptismal call and dedicate themselves to proclaim and live the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Our lectors are the storytellers of the community. Like the elders of a tribe, they publicly tell the story that identifies us. The lectors know these stories not just as Bible history, but as stories that give meaning to our lives. They give witness to God in his word and tell our family story—the story of salvation! They proclaim the true and saving word of God. They are the messenger of God’s love for us proclaiming that Word which challenges, confronts and captures our hearts and proclaims a word that heals comforts and consoles reaching out in service to the larger community.

Our St. Paul lectors tell the story of “the great things God has done for us” that we might turn to the table of the Eucharist with good cause to give thanks and praise. The lectors’ ministry is nothing less than proclaiming the Lord’s voice calling out in the midst of God’s people.

Reading in the liturgy is time out of their lives, which is limited and precious in order to effect a mystery.

Catholic world news briefs

New encyclical due Friday
Vatican, Nov. 26, 2007 - Pope Benedict XVI will release the second encyclical letter of his pontificate, entitled Spe Salvi, on November 30.

The new encyclical, a reflection on the theological virtue of hope, will be formally introduced to the media at a Friday news conference by Cardinal Georges Cottier, the former theologian of the pontifical household; and Cardinal Albert Vanhoye, SJ, the former rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute.

Earlier this autumn, Italian press reports had indicated that the Pope was writing on Catholic social teaching. Vatican sources now indicate that another papal document on that subject is still forthcoming.

Deus Caritas Est, the long-awaited first encyclical by Benedict XVI, was released in January 2006. Shortly after his election, the Pope disclosed that he did not expect to issue many papal documents-- a statement that surprised the many readers familiar with the prolific work of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger prior to his election as Roman Pontiff.

China sentences "underground" priest to 3-year term
Beijing, Nov. 26, 2007 - A Chinese Catholic priest has been sentenced to a 3-year prison term for unauthorized religious activities-- pastoral work in the "underground" Church-- the AsiaNews service reports.

Father Wang Zhong of the Xiwanze diocese, in China's Hebei province, was prosecuted for consecrating a new parish church. Although he had a valid building permit from the government's religious-affairs bureau, the priest was evidently charged because he does not recognize the authority of the government-affiliated Catholic Patriotic Association.

Several thousand people, including 21 priests of the underground Church, took part in the consecration ceremonies, AsiaNews says. The priest's prosecution appears to be part of an aggressive new campaign by the Patriotic Association to suppress the activities of the underground Church in the Hebei province.

Bishop Yao Liang, the head of the Xiwanze diocese, was taken into custody by police in July 2006 and remains missing. At least 20 other Catholics of the diocese, including 2 priests, are in prison.

Pope asks prayers for Mideast peace conference
Vatican, Nov. 26, 2007 - Pope Benedict XVI asked for prayers for the success of a Middle East peace conference, during his Sunday Angelus audience on November 25.

Noting that Israeli and Palestinian leaders would be meeting in Annapolis, Maryland, on November 27-- along with representatives of other nations and international organizations, including the Holy See-- the Pope gave his support to a request from the US bishops for a day of prayer "to implore, from the Spirit of God, peace for that region so dear to us, and the gifts of wisdom and courage for all participants in this important meeting."

The Holy Father added his own fervent prayers for "a just and definitive solution to the conflict which, for the last 60 years, has bloodied the Holy Land and brought so many tears and so much suffering to the two peoples.

Blair delaying conversion at cardinal's suggestion?
London, Nov. 26, 2007 - Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair intended to enter the Catholic Church before leaving office, but was persuaded not to do so by the country's leading Catholic prelate, according to a report in the London Sunday Telegraph.

Blair met with Pope Benedict in June, just prior to stepping down as prime minister. The Telegraph reports that the British leader intended to announce his conversion at that time, but Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor persuaded him that it would be indiscreet to mention private religious matter during a meeting that he held in his official capacity.

The Telegraph report goes on to say that Blair has decided to delay his conversion still further since leaving office, "because of fears that it could jeopardize his work as an envoy in the Middle East."

Pope will not meet with Dalai Lama
Vatican, Nov. 26, 2007 - Pope Benedict XVI will not meet with the Dalai Lama when the Tibetan Buddhist leader visits Rome in December, the Vatican has announced.

The announcement contradicts reports that had circulated early in November, and sparked angry reactions from Beijing.

Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, told reporters that "no audience is planned" during the Dalai Lama's trip to Italy. The Vatican had never officially announced plans for such an audience, although informed officials had told reporters that a meeting was being planned.

Reports that the Dalai Lama would meet with the Pontiff drew a strong reaction from the Chinese government, which warned that any such meeting would be "an offense." A government spokesman in Beijing said that the Vatican should "show sincerity to improve relations" by abandoning the plans.

The Chinese regime has consistently objected to any meetings by world leaders with the Dalai Lama, who is regarded as a key symbol of Tibet's hope for freedom from Beijing. The Dalai Lama has frequently expressed his opposition to Chinese occupation of his country-- although he has dropped his public demands for Tibetan independence. He has lived in exile since 1959.

The Vatican has been engaged for months in delicate negotiations with Beijing, aimed to ease government controls on the Catholic Church in China. While Pope Benedict has directly challenged the Communist government's claim to authority over the Church-- most notably in his June 30 message to Chinese Catholics-- he has generally avoided clashes on matters that the Holy See does not consider essential to the Church's mission.

K of C fish fry is December 7

The next Fish Fry will be Friday, December 7, at Knights of Columbus Hall, 2055
Glenmount Ave., Akron. Serving is from 5: to 7 p.m. The ,menu includes Baked Cod, Fried Walleye, Fried Shrimp, Chicken Tenders and Macaroni and Cheese. Dinners from
$5 to $8.50. Carry-out is available. Monthly fish frys are on the first Friday of every month

Signup sheet for holiday Masses

ATTENTION EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & LECTORS

There is a sign-up sheet in Room 111 for the Christmas and New Year’s Masses. This is an opportunity for everyone to serve one of the holiday Masses.

Serra Club members from nine parishes

The Serra Club of Akron has 26 members from nine Summit County parishes and is one of six Serra clubs in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese.

Serra International is a non-profit Catholic organization made up of laymen and laywomen from around the world who pray and work to foster and promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life.

Meetings are at noon on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill, on the University of Akron campus

Guests and new members are always welcome. For more information call: Steve Dishauzi - (330) 928-8474 or John "Pete" Mihelick - (330) 688-8806

Two active leaders of the Akron Club are St. Paul parishioners. Rudy DiDonato is president and Dave Nesline is vice president for programs. Ron McAvoy is the third St. Paul member. Members from other parishes are:

Holy Family: Douglas Auckland, Albert A. Buehrle, Vic Dandrea, David Fetyko, Mary Ann Kolosi, John Mihelick, Kathryn Mihelick, Donald Sulak, Catherine Sulak
Immaculate Heart of Mary: Willam Wittenauer
Sacred Heart, Barberton: John Olin
St. Eugene: Steve Dishauzi, Dennis Dunn
St. Hilary: James T. Johnson
St. Mary, Hudson: Sam D. Bartlo, Robert Maher,.
St. Sebastian: Frank Flanigan, David Hilkert, Gerald Stitz and Ray Thomas
St. Vincent: Thomas E. Giffels, Philip S. Kaufman

The chaplain is Fr. Ralph V. Coletta, pastor emeritus of St. John the Baptist.

Tomato soup collection begins

Father Ralph is asking parishioners again this year to contribute to the Baskets of Love food baskets program. St. Paul parish is asked to collect tomato soup. The goal is to provide baskets to be distributed to 3,000 families in the Akron area this season by the Akron Bible Church. Boxes will be set up in the narthex to collect tomato soup only to be added to the food collection. Items must be received by December 10..

The Baskets of Love started in 1980 with just 12 baskets. Since then it has grown to 3000 baskets annually with many churches, businesses and individuals involved in helping feed people in Akron.

Hirsch yule decorations featured in BJ

Paul Hirsch, who annually decorates his home on Mission Drive with more than 50.000 lights, was featured on the front page of the Home section in the Akron Beacon Journal on Saturday. There is a photo of the Hirsch home and a tree with the feature on the front of the section (page E1). There is also a photo of Hirsch on Page A1 to promote the feature. Hirsch’s wife is Mary (Vavro) Hirsch.

Click on the headline to read the story and see the photo of Hirsch doing the decorating.

The Giving Tree is up, so take an ornament

The Giving Tree is up in the narthex.

The tree is decorated as usual with ornaments for your gift giving. On the back of each ornament there is a label with a suggested gift you can provide for distribution by the pastoral ministry.

Gifts go to the homebound, those transported to Mass by van and those in nursing homes.

Take an ornament and return the gift. The gift should not be wrapped.

Please return gifts before December 16.
.

News from this weekend’s bulletin

Please pray for Catechumens
On Sunday, December 2, at the 11 a.m. Mass, members of the RCIA (Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adults) will become Catechumens through the Rite of
Catechumens. Please pray for these good people who have been studying the
Catholic Faith since September and will be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil, 2008. Our Catechumens are: Melynda Dort, Joyce McIntyre,
Brenda Montandon, Shelly Parker, Jennifer Schweitzer, Tyesha Smith, Anita Vavro, April Vavro, Matthew Vavro, David Zerzolo, James Zuravel and Theresa Markovich.

Fr. Berardi to retire as chaplain.
With Fr. Berardi retiring as chaplain at Summa-City as of December 1, we’d like to remind you once again of the importance of calling the rectory when you or a family member will be in any hospital. Fr. Ralph will be happy to anoint you and pray over you before you go into the hospital either after Mass in the Church or by appointment in the rectory. The rectory phone number is 330-724-1263.

St. Paul cookbooks available at Credit Union

St. Paul Cookbooks make wonderful gifts for the holidays.There are still some available at the St. Paul Credit Union on Brown Street for $17. The recipes were contributed by parishioners and their families. There are 250 recipes in the hard bound three-ring binder. The books were very well received and a big hit. If you want to purchase some, act quickly. There will not be a re-order. For informatrion, call the St. Paul Credit Union: 330-724-5183.

Christmas tree decorator needed

Seeking a talented volunteer to coordinate the decoration of a Christmas tree to be auctioned at the Spring Spectacular. A permanent tree has been donated by Roy and Karen Cain, and we are looking for someone to spruce it up. This project does not need to be complete until April, but Christmas is in the air and it’s a good time to think about these plans. If you are interested please call Mary Markowski at 330-773-5759.

Ann Marie Cox service is Saturday

Anna Marie Cox, 89, passed away on Novemeber 21, 2007.

She was a volunteer Hospice worker for terminal cancer patients. Her passion was music and dancing. Thanksgiving Day Masses have been said for Anna.

Preceded in death by her husband, Howard W. Cox; son, Larry Cox and four brothers and three sisters; she is survived by her son; H. Glenn (Carolyn) Cox; daughter, Delores (Tom) Petty; eight grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; one sister and four brothers.

Special thanks to Fr. Ralph Thomas, the staff at Heather Knoll and Crossroads Hospice.

Fr. Ralph Thomas will conduct the funeral service on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home (811 Grant St.), where friends may call from 12 p.m. until service time. Interment at Hillside Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the St. Paul Building Fund.
[Akron Beacon Journal, Friday, Ncvember 23, 2007, page B6, col. 4]

Sonya Walch funeral mass is Saturday

Sonya Juanita Walch, 74, passed away November 20, at the Hospice Care Center in Copley.

Born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1933, Sonya had been an Akron resident since 1955. Sonya grew up in Orville and graduated from Orville High School in 1951, before attending Kent State University and marrying Clarence Walch in 1955. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. Sonya worked for many area attorneys and law firms over the years as a legal secretary, retiring in 1992 with 35 years of service. Sonya enjoyed fishing and playing bingo. She also loved to travel and go camping.

Sonya was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Helen Wilson. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Clarence of Akron; sons and daughters-in-law, Steven Walch of Kansas City, Mo., William and Lori Walch of Akron, and Dana and Amy Walch of Canal Winchester, Ohio; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St. (PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church on Brown St. in Akron. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls. Donations in Sonya's memory may be made to the Hospice of VNS, 3340 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333. (Anthony Funeral Home, Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, www.kakfh.com, 724-1281)

Tall Tales: Johnny Appleseed interviews

American Tale Tales was the theme of a project in Mrs. Shelly Pixler’s fifth grade class. Students composed questions and answers for a character they had chosen and dressed up in costume for individual interviews by Mrs. Pixler. Interviews were conducted on two separate days before Thanksgiving break. The character chosen most often was Johnny Appleseed, but other characters were Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, Mike Fink and Pecos Bill.

Click on the headline to see photos of other students.

Here are two Johnny Appleseed interviews, the third and final post on the project.

Amanda Wightman as Johnny Appleseed

What was Johnny Appleseed's real name and what did he like to do?
Johnny Appleseed's real name was John Chapman. He liked to plant apple seeds because he loved apple trees. After Johnny Appleseed planted an orchard and the trees had apples, he would gather the seeds. He gave away sacks full of seeds. He never took any money because he liked giving orchards away.

Was Johnny Appleseed a real person or fictional character?
Jo\hnny Appleseed was a real person. He was born on September 26, 1774. He was born in Massachusetts. They say we have our apple orchards today because of Johnny Appleseed. He had many friends including animals and Indians.

What did Johnny Appleseed love almost as much as apple trees?
Johnny Appleseed loved animals almost as much as apple trees. He liked to talk to the animals. He would also take care of sick or hurt animals. He helped a large wolf who was caught in a steel trap and became friends with him. After that, wherever Johnny Appleseed went, the wolf followed.

What kind of hat did Johnny Appleseed wear?
Johnny Appleseed wore a hat that was a kettle turned upside down.
He used it for more then just a hat. He used it to cook in. He used it to bring water to the hurt wolf. His kettle hat was very useful to him.

What was Johnny Appleseed's dream?
Johnny Appleseed's dream was to make sure that there were enough apples for everyone. He wanted to make sure that no one went hungry. He traveled to many places to make sure there were enough orchards. He traveled to Pittsburgh, Ohio, and Indiana. It seems that after Johnny Appleseed died, someone else took over the planting of the apple seeds.

Why is Johnny Appleseed called the Rainbow-walker?
Johnny Appleseed is called the Rainbow-walker because he went to the top of a rainbow to throw apple seeds all over the sky. All of his animal friends followed him up the rainbow. As Johnny Appleseed threw the seeds, he knew if they fell to the earth, they would become apple trees. If the apple seeds stayed in the sky, they would become stars. As Johnny Appleseed looked down from the rainbow, at the orchards below, he knew his work was done.

Michael Roberts as Johnny Appleseed

Why did you plant so many apple trees Johnny Appleseed?
I planted so many apple trees because I love apple cider and I love caramel apples. So because I love those two things that are made with apples I planted apple trees all over America so everybody could have those great foods. That is why I planted so many apple trees

How could you talk to animals?
I learned to talk to animals from my dad. He always listened to all kinds of animals and then he finally figured out what all the sounds meant so he told me and I learned how to talk to animals.

Why did you help the wolf?
I helped the wolf because I love animals. Also I helped the wolf because the wolf was hurt and suffering. If I had not of helped him he could have died. Even though he looked really mean I still helped because I hate seeing living things die.

What was it like meeting up with the bear in the log?
Meeting up with that bear was really scary. I thought he would attack me. But then he just went back to sleep and didn't bother me. But at that point I didn't know that so I was scared. Also while I was scared I thought it was cool at the same time because I have never met a bear before.

Why did you throw apple seeds all over the place on the rainbow?
I threw apple seed all over the place on the rainbow because I wanted there to be apple orchards and stars all over the place. I didn't care what it turned into. But I also just liked the feeling of throwing the apple seeds all over the place.

Why didn't you care what others said about you?
I didn't care what others said about me because I knew that I wasn't really crazy or psycho or whatever the people called me. So I just stuck to myself and my animal friends and stayed the way I am. I didn't change my ways because I was being made fun of. That's why I didn't care what others say.

Tall Tales: Paul Bunyan & Mike Fink

American Tale Tales was the theme of a project in Mrs. Shelly Pixler’s fifth grade class. Students composed questions and answers for a character they had chosen and dressed up in costume for individual interviews by Mrs. Pixler. Interviews were conducted on two separate days before Thanksgiving break. The character chosen most often was Johnny Appleseed, but other characters were Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, Mike Fink and Pecos Bill.

Click on the headline to see more photos of students.

Here are interviews of Paul Bunyan and Mike Fink, the second of three posts on the project.

Scott Johnson as Paul Bunyan

Why did you cut trees down?
I cut trees down for the people in the community to use for a lot of things like houses, fires, or anything else they need.

How and where did you meet Babe?
I met Babe by running into her in the snow in icy tundra. She was just lying there. She looked so cold and lonely that I had to take her home with me.

What job does Babe do for you?
Babe has a special job. She carries the lumber up and down the mountains.

Which river did Babe start?
Babe started the Mississippi River by tipping over a full tank of water.

Would you explain how you created the Grand Canyon?
I created the Grand Canyon by dragging my peavey pole behind me and it made a very large crack in the ground. I'm sorry I didn't bring the peavey pole with me; I left that at home with Babe, my blue ox.

Why did the King of Sweden write to you?
The King of Sweden wrote to me because he needed me to cut down trees to make a larger area for planting.

Brady Baldwin as Mike Fink

What is your name?
My name is Mike Fink, The Original Pittsburgh Screamer. You can call me Mike.

Where were you born?
I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (GO STEELERS)

Mike, how was your childhood?
My childhood was great. I spent my childhood running around the woods in Pittsburgh (GO STEELERS) shooting at wolves, bobcats, mosquitoes, or anything else that could be shot at. I wasn't very big, but I was as tough as a bale of barbed wire and as touchy as dynamite. Even the Indians were afraid of me.

So, Mike, you're saying you were a good shot when you were young?
I am not saying I was a good shot, I am saying I was the best around. I won my folks a lot of food in shooting contests when I was young. Beating even the biggest men. One time I even shot the stinger out of a bee. Didn't kill the bee, just shot the stinger out. "

You were very young when you became a river man. How did that happen?
Yes ma'am, I was only 17 years old when I became a river man. I hung around the river docks in Pittsburgh (GO STEELERS) and dreamed about becoming a boatman. And when I became a river man, my goal was to get me a red feather. A red feather meant that the person wearing it was the roughest, toughest, and hardest to beat river man around. And I earned my red feather right away by fighting a man named Carpentar. We fought for two hours until I knocked Carpentar flat as a pancake turner. That's how Carpentar became my best friend.

Wasn't there another man on the keelboat you considered your best friend?
I did have another best friend on the boat besides Carpentar. His name was Talbot. Talbot was a bragger, thought he was the best shot around. He never was as good or as tough as me. We fought for several hours when we first met. Talbot will never admit it, but I won. We ended up shaking hands at the end. Then, me, Carpentar and Talbot all swore we would die for each other if we absolutely had to.

How did your friend carpentar die?
Carpentar died from a terrible accident. We were having a party when winter ended and spring came. Everyone was having a grand time so Carpentar and I decided to give them a show. We decided to do what we did in the old keelboat days. Carpentar placed a cup of cider on his head and walked off sixty yards. I brought my gun up, aimed and fIred. Shot him right in the forehead. I meant to aim for the cup. It really was an accident. But, I got so mad when I heard people laughing at me and saying I wasn't the best sharpshooter around, I told them all I didn't miss. I aimed right for his forehead. I am the greatest sharpshooter around. I can outfight, out yell and outshoot anyone around. And I was the best keelboat man that ever lived. Just then, Talbot shot me dead right in the heart.

Tall Tales: Davy Crockett interviews

American Tale Tales was the theme of a project in Mrs. Shelly Pixler’s fifth grade class. Students composed questions and answers for a character they had chosen and dressed up in costume for individual interviews by Mrs. Pixler. Interviews were conducted on two separate days before Thanksgiving break. The character chosen most often was Johnny Appleseed, but other characters were Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, Mike Fink and Pecos Bill.

Click on the headline to see other photos. Here are two interviews of Davy Crockett, the first of three posts on the project:

Marco Colant as Davy Crockett

Mr. Crockett, I've heard a story about a raccoon that you were about to shoot but it looked so sad. Why was it so sad-looking?
The raccoon was sad-looking because the raccoon believed he was as good as dead already.

Mr. Crockett, you tell us that dental hygiene is important. Why is that?
I believe dental hygiene is important because it gives you a good grin. My grin is so good I can kill things with it.

Mr. Crockett, can you tell me about your family?
Well, sure I can tell you about my family, I have a wife, Polly Finley Thunder Whirlwind. Now she has a great grin herself. My wife, Polly is a wonderful dancer and she has a marvelous laugh. Polly and I have several children, who we love.

Mr. Crockett, do you have any pets?
Yes, I do have pets. I have three pets. I have a bear named Death-Hug, an alligator named Old Mississippi, and a dog named Rattler.

How did you get these pets?
These pets became mine in some unusual ways. I got Death-Hug when I was stuck in an earthquake crack and I saw a bear and I hung on to him while the bear pulled me up, then I hugged that bear tight, just like a death-hug. I got Old Mississippi when I went to New Orleans to fight the Redcoats and I picked that alligator up and took him home. I've had Rattler, my dog since I was a boy

Mr. Crockett, how did you help President Jackson?
I helped President Andy Jackson by defeating the Indians and the Redcoats in the War of 1812. Also, I helped President Jackson by grabbing a comet and throwing it back into space.

Mr. Crockett, what did you think of the Mexican authorities?
Well in those days Texas belonged to Mexico. The other settlers and I didn't like taking orders from the Mexican government. So we made are own laws. When Santa Anna, the Mexican President, found this out, he sent his army to stop us.

Nicholas McInturff as Davy Crockett

What kinds of things did you like to do when you were growing up?
When I was growing up, I liked to run around in the woods. I also liked to chop down trees. One thing that I was really good at was hunting. When I wasn't hunting, I liked to spend time with the animals. Those are some of the things I liked to do as a kid.

What are your best talents?
Some people say that my best talent is my grin. My grin is so powerful that I can make a raccoon drop dead just by grinning at him. I think that my best talent is making friends with animals. I had lots of pets like a wolf, a bear, and a dog. I also had an alligator for a pet.

Which was your favorite pet?
My favorite pet was my bear, Death-Hug. Death-Hug saved my life from being stuck in a crack forever. He lets me ride on his back. I named him Death-Hug because he can hug people to death. He is the best pet a guy could ask for.

Did you ever get married?
Yes, I married a girl named Polly Finley Thunder Whirlwind. She is a fun girl with a grin just as good as mine. She is a really good dancer also. Once when we were dancing, she laughed so hard that she blew the mud chinks out of our log cabin. Boy, did it get cold in there, so I brought home a wolf to lie in front of the biggest hole. That kept it a little warmer. I'm glad I got married.

Why did you go into politics?
I went into politics because of my grin. Everybody knows that the politician with the biggest grin is sure to win. I practiced my speeches with my animal friends, and when they'd cheer me on it sounded like they were saying "Vote for Crockett". I guess the neighbors heard that and they elected me to the Tennessee legislature. They liked me so much that I finally was elected to Congress. I went to Washington and got to see my oid friend Andy Jackson.

What happened in the Big Freeze?
In the Big Freeze, the winter got so cold that the sun froze. The machinery that keeps everything moving was also not working. I caught a fat bear to squeeze over the machinery. I used the hot bear oil to grease up the gears and to put on the sun until all of the ice melted. I was then able to get everything going again.

Did you get a call from Bishop Lennon?

Did you get a call from Bishop Lennon this week? Those who have contributed to the 2007 Catholic Charities Appeal received the automated calls thanking them for their contribution.

As of October 31, the 2007 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal has raised $8,666,111 in pledges from 51,294 donors. Generous parishioners are also helping their parishes reach their personalized parish goals. Six parishes in Cleveland [Conversion of St. Paul, St. Adalbert, St. Casimir, St. Patrick-Bridge Ave., St. Stephen and St. Stanislaus] as well as St. Peter in Loudonville and Sacred Heart of Jesus in Akron have met their parish goals so far this year.

The 2008 in-pew appeal for Catholic Charities will take place the weekend of 16-17 February in all parishes across the Diocese of Cleveland. The 2008 in-pew appeal for the Faith & Values Campaign for Catholic Education will be held the weekend of 19-20 January in all parishes.

Be thankful this week

BE THANKFUL that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

BE THANKFUL when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

BE THANKFUL for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

BE THANKFUL for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

BE THANKFUL for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

BE THANKFUL for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

BE THANKFUL when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

[Reprinted from the November, 2007 issue of Zenska Jednota, magazine of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association]

Tigers win football title second year in row

Clustering works for St. Paul Tigers coach Alex Kuzmik.

The St. Paul Tigers won the Akron CYO Division 1 football title October 21 at the Rubber Bowl 20-0 by defeating Holy Family Panthers of Stow.

When the season started, St. Paul was the defending champion but not favored to end up in the championship game.

St. Paul came into the season with veteran coach Kuzmik at the helm, four returning players from last year's championship team and an uncertain roster.

When practice began in the summer, the Tigers were a rag-tag team of players from St. Paul, St. Joseph, St. Francis and St. Matthew pretty much thrown together out of necessity.

"We basically molded a team out of kids other schools weren't interested in or didn't have teams to play for," Kuzmik said. "But we stuck with teaching them the fundamentals and continuing to work on that throughout the season."

Coach Alex Kuzmik, Director/Commissioner of Football, started the football program 15 years ago and has helped develop many young kids into great football players and young Catholic men. Assistant coaches were Dan DeSahe, Scott Tatro and Odell Lyde.

Here’s the roster of champions

From St. Paul: Eight graders C.. J. Dowling, Sae’von Fitzgerald, Austin Hastings and Ben Schauer. Seventh graderfs Aaron Abernathy, Adam Gray and Vince (Diesel) Woicehovich.

From St. Joseph: Eight graders Tyler Aitken, Aarron Fink, Jacob Huber, Matt Keener, Vince Malorni, Matt Matuska, Jason McDonough and Tom Yakubowski, Seventh grader Brian Kavcar

From St. Francis: Eight graders Danny Darby, Sean Robbins and Kenny Simmons. Seventh grader Logan Wilkinson

From St. Matthew:: Eight graders John Jay Otterman and Ryan Russell. Seventh graders Mario Micale and Alex Smith

St. Peter of the Field: Chad Tatro

Click on the headline to read a game story by Mike McNulty which was published on page 12 of the November 2 issue of the Catholic Universe Bulletin

Cleveland native to head Military Archdiocese

WASHINGTON (November 19, 2007)—Pope Benedict XVI named Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, 55, current apostolic nuncio to the Dominican Republic, to head the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

The appointment was announced in Washington, November 19, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Archbishop Broglio is a native of Cleveland and was ordained to the priesthood in 1977 and immediately began service as an associate pastor in the Diocese of Cleveland. He was ordained to the episcopacy March 19, 2001, by Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.

Timothy P. Broglio was born December 22, 1951. He earned a degree in classics from Boston College before entering the seminary. He finished his studies for the priesthood at the North American College in Rome. After pastoral services in the Cleveland Diocese, he returned to Rome to study at the Pontifical Eccliastical Academy, the Vatican’s school for diplomats. He earned a doctorate in canon law from the Gregorian University and entered the diplomatic corps in 1983. He worked in Vatican embassies in Ivory Coast and Paraguay before assignment at the Vatican Secretariat of State where he was chief of staff to the Secretary of State.

The Archdiocese for Military Services, USA serves without territorial boundaries and is present throughout the free world. Today, it serves over 1.4 million Roman Catholic men and women. This includes 375,000 in uniform and over 900,000 family members. The Archdiocese also ministers to the more than 300,000 Catholics who are in the Reserve, Coast Guard, in Government service overseas and Veterans Administration hospitals.
[Source: Cleveland Diocese website]

Sandi Denholm chosen Woman of Year

St. Paul’s Sandi Denholm will be honored as Woman of the Year of the Summit Region of the National Council of Catholic Women at a luncheon December 10 at Guy’s Party Centre.

She was chosen by the Executive Board of Summit Regional Council of Catholic Women NCCW.

Sandi Denholm is a busy woman. She is an eucharistic minister, sacristan and first vice president of the St. Paul Ladies Guild who represents St. Paul at the Summit Region NCCW. Sandi also is facilitator once a month for the Communion Services which are held at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For 13 years, Sandi has been a state certified long term care volunteer ombudsman out of the local Area Agency on Aging, monitoring nursing homes and investigating complaints of residents and their families. Residents have rights and Sandi is ready to advocate on their behalf. She received the Distinguished Volunteer Ombudsman Award in 2006.She spends 8 to 10 hours a month as an ombudsman. She worked for many years as a respite provider for United Disability Services.

Sandi recently joined the board of Catholic Social Services and is still active in the Alpha J Club, a group of past presidents of the Jackson Elementary School PTA,

Sandi and her husband, Joe, both grew up in Akron and met as classmates at North High School where they graduated in 1956. They were married February 15, 1958 at St. Anthony Church in North Hill.

The Denholm were Eucharistic ministers at St. Martha Parish before moving to Firestone Park in 1986.

Sandi and Joe are serious about their service. They even attended the University of Akron to earn associate degrees in community service.

The Denholm have five children: Denis, Coni, Tracey, Karen and Christopher (in heaven). There are eight grandchildren..

In addition to honoring Sandi Denholm as the SRCCW Woman of the Year, the folowing women are being honored by their respective organizations:

Darlene Allen, Ladies of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Margaret Judge Division; Midge Bartlett, Immaculate Heart of Mary Council of Catholic Women; Alice Bedell, Holy Family Women Today; Monica Fanady St. John the Baptist Ladies Guild; Helen McDowell Gentner, St. Vincent Altar Society; Kathy Holaday, St. Sebastian Sanctuary Society; Patsy House, Women’s ’ Board, Catholic Social Services of Summit County; Angie Leonhard, Christ the King Altar and Rosary Society; Dianna Lucia, Christ Child Society of Akron;; Maryann Mushinski, St. John the Baptist Ladies Guild; Rosemarie Schrader, St. Matthew Council of Catholic Women; Linda Sucheski, St. Mary Women’s Guild, Hudson, and Dottie Thoerig, St. Paul Ladies Guild.

(Dottie Thoerig who was named St. Paul’s Woman of the Year at a Ladies Guild meeting on October 11, was featured in an October 15 article on Saint Paul TODAY) .

The December 10 luncheon at Guy’s, 500 E. Waterloo Rd., is the annual Christmas Awards luncheon of the council

Reservations for the December 10 luncheon should be mailed to Susie Straits, 2288 Woodpark Road, Akron, OH 44333. Cost is $15 per person. Checks should be payable to Summit Regional Council NCCW. Deadline for reservations is Monday, December 3. For information, call 330-836-8133

Shirley Campbell funeral mass is Tuesday

Shirley Ann Campbell (nee Dorsey)

Shirley Ann Campbell, 70, went home to be with the Lord and her son, James on November 15, 2007.

She was born on March 7, 1937 in Mt. Savage, Maryland to the late Benjamin and Katie Dorsey. Shirley was a retired nurse from Akron Children's Hospital. She was a very loving, caring and beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Preceded in death by her parents; son, James; and ten brothers and sisters; and brothers-in-law, Cledyth Daughtry and Carl (Sonny) Myers; she is survived by husband, Dale Sr.; children, Dale Jr. (Tammy), Katherine Case and Carol (Bill) Haines; grandchildren, Kimberly Campbell, James (Amamda) Gajdos, Jacqueline Case (Rick Randall), Matthew Case, KatieAnn Haines (Jonas McDonald), Katrina Haines, Jason Case and Denise Haines; four great-grandchildren, Alicia, Danielle, Steven lll, Zachery; and two on the way; sisters, Alma Myers and Teresa Daughtry; dear friends, Viv and Mary; numerous nieces and nephews and all of her dear friends at Akron Children's Hospital.

Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home (811 Grant St.). Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations may be made to American Cancer Society.
[The Beacon Journal,, Akron, OH, Monday, November 19, 2007, page B4, col. 4 ]

Summit South sharing at Nativity

One purpose of clustering is to share ministries with other parishes in the cluster. Tne St. Paul parish blog will occasionally post suggestions on how to share in the ministries of other parises in the Summit South 6 Cluster.

An Advent Day of Reflection will be offered on Saturday, December 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, Myersville and Killian Roads in Springfield Township. This “Journey to Bethlehem” features a visit to the Bethlehem cave chapel which is a replica of the cave in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Rosary, Mass and an opportunity for confession are included. Suggested donation: $10 (includes lunch) Advanced registration required by November 25, Space is limited. For more information call Nativity at 330-699-5086 or visit the website at www.nativityoftheLord.org for registration information.

News from this week's church bulletin

FIRESTONE PARK COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Enjoy an evening of beautiful Christmas music and church choirs including our Adult Choir. Saturday, December 1, at 7 p.m. at Firestone Park United Methodist Church, 250 N. Firestone Blvd., Akron.

ST. PAUL LADIES GUILD RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
The next Ladies Guild Blood Drive will be Monday, December 3, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Boeke Hall. Any questions, call Maggie Colant at 330-724-9550

PENNY BINGO ON THURSDAY
All Seniors are welcome to join us for Penny Bingo every Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Boeke Hall. Bring a lunch and coffee and tea are free. Snacks are appreciated. Admission is 50 cents. Bring your pennies and make some new friends and just have some fun!

ST. PAUL CATHOLIC MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
Please join us at 7 p.m. in Room 111 for our regular meeting of prayer and Bible study, on the
2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Our monthly breakfast is the third Saturday of each month at
8:00 a.m. in Boeke Hall The next breakfast will be Saturday, December 15, 2007. The next
regular meeting will be Monday, November 26. 2007. The Bible Study passage will be John 5: 19-47 Authority of the Son. Please come and see what we are all about!

Gift card purchases help school

You can make holiday gift shopping easier and help St Paul PTO at the same time by purchasing GIFT cards.

Need a $25 gift card for your nephew or niece? Think Best Buy, toys R Us, Disney, or Build a Bear. Need a $10 gift card for the gift exchange? Don’t forget Mom, Dad, aunts, uncles, babysitters and co-workers.

Get your holiday party purchasing started. The PTO has Honey Baked Ham and Malley’s gift cards.

You can order .GIFT cards in the Narthex after all the Masses or from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul School. GIFT Card orders are collected on Monday morning and will be in on Friday. You may pick up your order at the school on Friday, or after all the Masses on the weekend.

Each card reimburses the school for a percentage of the value of the card. You pay only the monetary value and the business pays the PTO. For more information, call Mary Bachmann at 330-773-7938

GIFT cards are available for groceries, pharmacies, gas and oil stations, fast food outlets, restaurants, family entertainment and home improvement, electronic and general retail stores. Pick up an order form listing more than 75 firms with varying amounts starting at $10.

Mass sparkled with Pilgrims, Native Americans

First graders dressed as Pilgrims and Native Americans were the stars of the student Thanksgiving Mass at St. Paul’s on Friday morning.

First graders were assembled on the altar before Mass and four class members participated in the offertory by taking up gifts of food items collected by all St. Paul students in their annual contribution to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. More than 500 food items from the St. Paul students will be distributed at the Ozanam Center, 97 Broad St.

Students in Mrs. Suzanne Inglis provided the Thanksgiving theme for the Mass. As part of his homily, Fr. Ralph Thomas, reminded students that one of the first things they learned was to say “thank you” and then asked students to name things for which they were thankful.

The first graders were excited about their special part in the Mass as they gathered in the classroom before Mass and posed for a photo. It was a special day for one pilgrim, Brooke Wightman, who heard her name announced on the address system before morning prayers. It was to congratulate her on her seventh birthday..

Class members are Holly Adam, Nathan Dort, Graham Evans, LeAnna Faulknier, Franklin Fausnight, Joseph Fox, Austin Gayhart, Lily Gray, Paul Hirsch, Wyatt Markovich, Morgan Munro, Concetta Paull, Chante” Reddest, Cory Richmond, John Slota, Aisha Smith. Natalie Wammes and Brooke Wightman.

The Mass was planned by Mrs. Diane Zak’s Grade 6

Men's Fellowship to hear Don Cockroft

By John Wilson
for Men’s Fellowship
Instead of our regular Saturday breakfast in the PAC center, St Paul Catholic Men’s Fellowship will be meeting for breakfast at the Celebration Church on Dan St. If you need a ride or want to caravan, contact Hank Richard to let him know. We will run a caravan from St Paul if there is an interest but we have to know in advance.

This is a prime chance to show our non-Catholic brothers that we love them and love Jesus too. It is a great opportunity to show them we are alive in Christ and we want to be involved.

Breakfast and fellowship will start at 7:00am. Remember, if the cover charge is a hardship, we will pay it for you; see me, Hank or Ron. Come hear the message. We hope to see you there!!

Gladys Bordas funeral mass is Saturday

Gladys Victoria Bordas, 92, passed away Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at Hospice of North Central Ohio in Ashland, Ohio.

Gladys was born October 5, 1915 to the late Pete and Flora (Rohr) Schalmo. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and Ladies Guild and sold Avon products for over 25 years.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander J. Bordas; daughter, Susan Marie Bordas; sisters, Alma Stephan and Hilda Hassman; and brother, Robert Schalmo. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, John A. and April Bordas of Greenwich, Ohio; daughter and son-in-law, Judith A. and Clarence J. Wright of Spartanburg, South Carolina; grandchildren, Brenda Wright Brooks, Jeffrey Alan Wright, Sheryl Ann Shepherd, Julie Marie Button and Bridget Ann Carver; 14 great-grand-children; nine nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Ann Bordash.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, 9:30 a.m. at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron and at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Fr. Ralph Thomas officiating. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call TONIGHT, 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH 44805-8845 or to St. Paul Catholic Church. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com, AN ANTHONY FUNERAL HOME)
[The Beacon Journal,, Akron, OH, Friday, November 16, 2007, page B5, col.5 ]

Bishops issue voter responsiblity statement

At their meeting in Baltimore this week, the US bishops approved a statement on the responsibilities of Catholics voters. Unfortunately this is a subject that cannot be treated in a brief statement so no attempt is being made here to summarize it.

You can download the Bishops’ Full Statement as a 44–page PDF document,.

Or you can download a summary Bulletin Insert as a 10-page PDF document.

Nov 21 is day ‘For Those Who Pray’

Did you know there is special day “For Those Who Pray” and that we have three diocesan Cloistered Communities and one Byzantine Cloistered Community?

Pope John Paul II established this worldwide Pro Orantibus Day (For Those Who Pray) in 1997 as a day of support for the cloistered life. It is celebrated each year on the Memorial of Mary's Presentation in the Temple.

Catholics are urged to pray for the cloistered communities on Wednesday, November 21, the Memorial Day, and the weekend of November 17-18.

Suggestions for observing Pro Orantibus Day (For Those Who Pray):

+ Send a card to the communities letting each community know that you are praying for them?.

+ Send an individual Sister a card of appreciation for being a "leaven of renewal and a presence of spirit of Christ in the world?" (Pope John Paul II)

+ Visit a website for more information www.cloisteredlife.com.

For more information, contact Sister Lenore Thomas, IHM Coordinator for Vocations to Consecrated Life. Phone 800-869-6525, Ext 3460 or E-mail: lthomas@diocenseofcleveland.org. Or visit the website www.churchvocations.com.

Here are “Those Who Pray” in our communities:

Byzantine Poor Clare Nuns, 6688 Cady Road, North Royalton, OH 44133
Sister Agnes Gregory BNSC, Sister Regina Hallman BNSC and Mother Lucille Tepper BNSC

Carmel of the Holy Family 3176 Fairmount Boulevard Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Sister Rosemary Blum OCD, Sister Anne Joan Boyle OCD, Sister Patricia Conway OCD, Sister Annamae Dannes OCD, Sister Bernadette Kamin OCD, Sister Mary Kathryn Keklak OCD, Sister Jean Marie Konyesni OCD, Sister Mary Lavin OCD, Sister Barbara Losh OCD, Sister Patricia O'Brien OCD, Sister Maria Via tori OCD, Sister Vera Lea Virant OCD, and Sister Anita Wasserman OCD

Poor Clare Colettine Nuns 3501 Rocky River Drive Cleveland, OH 44111
Sister Michael Barclay PCC Sister Rose Marie Cherry PCC, Sister Deo Gratias Delaat PCC, Sister Gertrude Foradori PCC, Sister St. John Gilmore PCC, Sister Maria Gleason PCC, Mother Jude Handlovics PCC, Sister Annunciata Koester PCC Sister Christina La Dieu PCC, Sister Laetitia Lee PCC, Sister Immaculata Lynch PCC, Sister Maria Christiana Meiring PCC, Sister Veronica Nusser PCC, Sister Colette O'Connell PCC, Sister St. Paul Pahl PCC, Sister Pia Patania PCC, Sister Chiara Francisca Petrizzo PCC, Sister Marie Michael Plesa PCC, Sister Dolores Warner PCC and Sister Therese Zammikiel PCC

Poor CIares of Perpetual Adoration 4108 Euclid Avenue Cleveland,OH 44103
Sister Joseph Alic PCPA Sister Mary Carmel Bejgrowicz PCPA, Sister Barbara Brown PCPA, Sister Jacinta Chichem PCPA, Mother Mary James Dyer PCPA, Sister Clare Marie Edathanal PCPA, Sister Roselia Hembrom PCPA, Sister Immaculate Lee PCPA, Sister Clare McInnis PCPA, Sister Anselm Monahan PCPA, Sister Marie Murphy PCPA, Sister Kevin O'Brien PCPA, Sister Aloysius Padinjattail PCPA, Sister Thomas Schiefen PCPA, Sister Mary Shioya PCPA, Sister Bernadette Skuta PCPA, Sister Regina ThoWI PCPA, Sister Mary Cecilia Yu PCPA and Sister Catharina Yu PCPA

Ad sponsors needed for church bulletin

St. Paul is in need of sponsors for the church bulletin.

Ed Clark from Diocesan Publications will be contacting potential advertisers of local businesses as well as professional people in the area within the next few weeks.

If you do not have a business but personallhy know of someone who does, please help the parish by referring that person or business, of you can occupy a space by becoming a donor.

Please call the parish office at 330-724-1263 or drop off a note at the rectory listing your name, phone, name of business, type of busjness and who referred you..

Here are some reasons for advertising in the bulletin:

+Advertising on the Weekly Parish Bulletin is one of the best returns for your advertising dollar.

+The advertising expense is tax deductible.

+ It is localized advertising; it's in the area that you serve.

+Advertising helps promote your business throughout the community and with your fellow parishioners.

+ The bulletin gives excellent exposure to the business person because it's reaching more clients.

+Parishioners feel secure dealing with bulletin sponsors.

Food collection and a gift for shut-ins

Today was food collection day at St. Paul School.--but that's not all.

There was a special student project to provide a little Thanksgiving gift to shut-ins.

Students started bringing in food at the beginning of the week and today will gather it all together from each classroom.

The collection includes a variety food products in addition to canned goods. There was cereal, pasta, peanut butter, ,jams and other items people will use.

The collection is expected to provide more than 500 items for the St. Vincent dePaul Society at St. Paul. Food is distributed at the Ozanam Center at 97 Broad St.

Students from kindergarten and Grade 4 show some of the special bags, decorated with a Thanksgiving turkey, which will be distributed to shut-ins by the St. Paul pastoral ministry. The bag contains soup mix with directions for easy preparation.

A photo on the food collection will appear with an article about the work of St. Vincent de Paul in the December printed i issue of St. Paul TODAY.

Jubilee to mark 150th anniversary of Lourdes

A Jubilee Year to mark the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Immaculate Conception to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, will run from .from December 8, 2007, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, to December 8, 2008.

The announcement was made at a press conference at the Vatican this morning.

It is expected that some eight million pilgrims will visit Lourdes for the Jubilee Year.

Concerning the possibility of a pilgrimage by the Pope to Lourdes for the 150th anniversary, Bishop Jacques Perrier of Lourdes confirmed that Benedict XVI would visit "though we still do not know the exact date."

"Shrines and pilgrimages," the prelate went on, "today occupy an important place in religious life, especially among people who do not habitually follow religious practices. Shrine are places of silent evangelization." In this context he indicated that a Mariological-Marian congress due to be held in Lourdes from September 4 to 8, 2008, on the theme of "the apparitions of the Virgin Mary: history faith and theology" will consider "the inducement to convert exercised by shrines in general and by Marian shrines in particular."

Bishop Perrier then indicated how on February 11, 2008, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick, the first of the 18 apparitions of the Virgin to Bernadette will be commemorated (the last apparition took place on July 16, 1858, Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel). A week later, on February 18, 2008, Feast of St. Bernadette, the first of the 15 consecutive apparitions will be remembered. "Our Lady asked Bernadette to come to the Grotto every day, and she kept her promise despite the difficulties."

March 25, will mark the anniversary of the 16th apparition of the Virgin. "On that day, Feast of the Annunciation," said Bishop Perrier, "the Lady finally pronounced her name: I am the Immaculate Conception."

The bishop then indicated how from July 15 to 20, 2008, to coincide with World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, various groups of young Christian artists will perform in Lourdes.
[Source: Vatican Information Service]

Click on the headline to read the full text.

Serra Club asks for a minute a day

Prayers which were said at St. Paul masses on Priesthood Sunday on October 28 are an annual effort of the Serra Club of Akron, but it should not end there.

The Serra Club of Akron asks you to pray a minute a day for vocations.

Serra International is a non-profit Catholic organization made up of laymen and laywomen from around the world who pray and work to foster and promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. Members of Serra, or Serrans, belong to Serra Clubs, which have been chartered in 44 different countries since the organization began in 1935. Serra's objectives and purposes are:

* To foster and promote vocations to the ministerial priesthood in the Catholic Church as a particular vocation to service, and to support priests in their sacred ministry;
* To encourage and affirm vocations to consecrated religious life in the Catholic Church; and
* To assist its members to recognize and respond in their own lives to God’s call to holiness in Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit.

Two active leaders of the Akron Club are St. Paul parishioners. Rudy DiDonato is president and Dave Nesline is vice president for programs.

The Serra Club of Akron is one of six Serra clubs in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese and is re-chartered each year by Bishop Richard G. Lennon or his designee.

Meetings are at noon on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill, on the University of Akron campus

Bishop Lennon has directed the Serra Clubs to work closely with the Coordinators of the Diocesan Religious Vocation Otlice, Rev. Father Michael K. Gurnick for Priesthood and Sister Lenore Thomas for Consecrated Life.

Akron Serra Chaplain is the Rev. Father Ralph V. Coletta

Officers are:

PRESIDENT: Rudy DiDonato

TREASURER: John Ohlin

SECRETARY: Thomas Giffels

VICE PRESIDENTS: David Nesline, programs; John Mihelick, vocations; Vice Dandrea, membership, and Tom Giffels, communications.

TRUSTEES: Steve Dishauzi, Kathryn Mihelick and Robert Maher

Guests and new members are always welcome. For more information call:
Steve Dishauzi - (330) 928-8474 John "Pete" Mihelick - (330) 688-8806

Serra International is named after Blessed Junipero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan who established missions in Mexico and the western United States. In 1934, in Seattle, Washington, four Catholic friends had an idea. They decided to meet regularly over a meal to discuss how their Christian values could be lived out in their professional lives. Soon more friends were joining them and within several months they had decided on an additional focus: the encouragement of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. They chose Padre Junipero Serra, the noted Spanish missionary, as patron.
Father Serra was beatified in 1988.

Serra International has 1,088 clubs made up of over 20,000 members worldwide. Serra Club have been chartered in 44 different countries.

Meetings are designed so that when members gather for prayer, a meal and conversation, they grow in faith and are inspired and challenged by each other.
After hearing a speaker or discussing a topic such as prayer, social justice, Scripture, business ethics, ministry or church vocations, Serrans return to work, the family and the community with a renewed sense of how to live out the Christian message.

Funeral Mass is Thursday for Mary Michael

Mary Ellen Michael was born in Akron, Ohio on July 26, 1928 and went home to be with The Lord November 11, 2007.

She was the daughter of Roseanna (O'Hara) and Michael L. McGowan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn L. Michael and brothers, Arthur J. McGowan and John T. McGowan. She is survived by her children, Karen (Rick) Mezzacapo and Jerry (Cindy) Michael; grandchildren, Adam (Amy) Mezzacapo, Paul Mezzacapo, Michael (Gina) McFarland and Sarah Burke; and great-grandchildren, Meghan Mezzacapo, Samuel and Lily McFarland and Mattie and Declan Burke; sister, Rosemarie Geiger; and brothers, Michael L. McGowan and James P. McGowan.

Mary Ellen belonged to St. Paul's Catholic Church and their Ladies Guild, the Hibernian Club, Prime Timers of Firestone Park and worked for the Board of Elections. She retired from Kaufmann's after 27 years service.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Merriman and Harbor Lite Hospice.

Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home, 39 S. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, Ohio 44333. Hibernian Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church on Thursday. Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul's Catholic Church, 433 Mission Drive, Akron, OH 44301 or The Merriman Activity Group, 209 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH 44303.

Be happy while you are living, for you're a long time dead. Scottish Proverb

[The Beacon Journal,, Akron, OH, Tuesday, November 13, 2007. page B7, col. 3]

Ladies Guild gets report on Bazaar

By Sandi Denholm
for the Ladies Guild
St Paul Ladies Guild held their November meeting on Thursday, November 8, at
7 p.m. in Boeke Hall. Kristi Kato from the Summit County Health District spoke to us about the possiblity of there being an outbreak of the Pandemic Flu and how best to prepare ourselves and our families.

The treasurer, Judi Stoerkel, reported a $2,956.95 profit from our October Country Bazaar. Sadly Terry Nesline who has chaired the Bazaar for 13 years will no longer be able to do so because of an increase in her Pastoral work for the parish. We will certainly miss Terry's excellent guidance and handling of that event

St. Paul students get Achievement Awards

Congratulations to Saint Paul School students in Grades 3 to 8 who excelled academically in all subject areas, excluding art, and did not receive any U’s in conduct or effort. Academic Achievement Awards for the first quarter were presented Monday afternoon in the church. Mrs. Rosemary Capotosto, the school principal, presented the awards. Names of those honored were called out by Mrs. Mary Ann DeKemper, the school secretary. Those honored were:

Highest Honors (Grade point average 3.7 to 4.3):

Grade 3: Michelle Bojo, Malena Crawford, Mikchaela Dornack, Adrienne Hite, Christopher Kuhn, Gabriel Lidderdale, Adam McClure and Mereith Paull.

Grade 4: Allison Bachmann, Marcus Bender, Adam Bugajski, Brian Heller, Alexandra Joyner, Kimberly Maxwell, Regina Neugebauer, Henry Riegger and Samuel Smith.

Grade 5: Brady Baldwin, Matthew Bisesi, Faith Chrostowski, Marco Colant, Shannon Lloyd, Nicholas Mcinturff and Michael Roberts.

Grade 6: Kendra Alexander, Justin Hale, Shannon Hite, Emily Roberts and Jacqueline Wammes.

Grade 7: Alyse Bachmann, Natalie Bender, Madison Buzek, Noelle Colant, Kathleen Coughlin, Jamie Dean, Maggi Fatica, Brianna Friedl, Adam Gray, Matthew Kannel, Gabrielle Kapper, Alexandra Krim, Erin Liggett and Michael Riegger.

Grade 8: Melissa Albertson, William Gabelman, Jacqueline Pfeil, Alexandra Pressman and Shelly Weese.

High Honors (Grade point average of 3.3 to 3.69):

Grade 3: Jesse Bobbitt, Annelise Dawson, Paige Harbarger, Daisha Hawkins, Abbey Lewis, Anna Liggett, Anton McClure and Benjamin Woodill,

Grade 4: Kortni Agosta, Ryan Canan, Autumn Sias, Calista Sokolowski, Kylie Walker and Samuel Wilson.

Grade 5: Michael Altomare, Orion Belmont, Claire Fatica, Cameron Krim, Lauren Leeser, Sydney Sloan, Kaitlyn Thomas, Amanda Wightman, Cody Woicehovich and Samantha Woodill.

Grade 6: Lexi Chisholm, Joshua Garey, Erica Hathaway, Jacob Knowles, Joseph Morrison, Branna Motley, Cynthia Preston, Sierra Robinson and Zachery Vinez.

Grade 7: Zachary Durbin, Hannah Horrigan, Angelina Miller, Jenna Pavlov and Abigail Pilgram.

Grade 8: Carys Bobbitt, Taylor Droppa, Danielle Hathaway and Brenda Trevizo.

Honors (Grade point average of 3.0 to 3.29):

Grade 3: Jenna Garey, Olivia Hutchison, Erika Jordan, Lindsey Maple, Maria Sarlouis and Amanda Schmidt.

Grade 4: Kayli Agosta

Grade 5: Sara Broadbent and Jeremy Swords.

Grade 6: Andrew Albertson, Tyrus Bradford, Evan Dukeman, Jon Martin and Shaelyn Schleis.

Grade 7: Kristin Walker

Grade 8: Andrew Calvert, Gabriellle Carter, Christopher Dowling, Sae'von Fitzgerald,
Taylor Patterson, Lucky Ratsavong and Katherine Roberts.